Collection System

Challenge

Economic development is an essential focus for Iowa communities. In Oelwein, population 6,415, city officials took a practical, pro-active approach to readying themselves for potential activity and growth.

To maintain industrial and residential development the collection system had to be analyzed to determine which trunk mains needed to be replaced. Developers needed to know the potential location, size, and downstream capacity constraints associated with the sanitary sewer collection system.

Solution

To determine which sanitary sewer lines needed to be improved, FOX evaluated the entire system using utility maps, field surveys, videotaped inspections, and interviews with city staff and residents. FOX developed a plan of action that, when implemented, would eliminate sewers that were over capacity and predict growth areas throughout the city to best determine when sewers would need to be replaced.

Outcome

The development of the plan eliminated concerns in the city of Oelwein about the availability and capacity of sanitary sewer. The city has utilized the plan developed by FOX to illustrate to potential developers capacity and cost implications associated with new developments. The plan has enabled the city to continue to attract new businesses and residential developments to Oelwein.